U.S. patent application number 12/742895 was filed with the patent office on 2011-01-27 for container for carrying diaper changing items.
Invention is credited to Monique Miriam Filer, Dannielle Lisa Michaels.
Application Number | 20110017745 12/742895 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 40638249 |
Filed Date | 2011-01-27 |
United States Patent
Application |
20110017745 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Michaels; Dannielle Lisa ;
et al. |
January 27, 2011 |
CONTAINER FOR CARRYING DIAPER CHANGING ITEMS
Abstract
The present invention provides a container (10) for carrying one
or more baby changing items comprising a base (15) having a first
compartment (11) for storing one or more baby changing items, and a
lid (20) pivotally connected to the base (15). The lid (20)
comprises a second compartment (21) sealable from the first
compartment (11) of the base (15) for storing one or more moist
wipes (not illustrated) and an aperture (24) to allow access to the
one or more moist wipes when the lid (20) is in a closed
position.
Inventors: |
Michaels; Dannielle Lisa;
(Windsor, AU) ; Filer; Monique Miriam; (Bondi
Junction, AU) |
Correspondence
Address: |
HOLME ROBERTS & OWEN LLP
1700 LINCOLN STREET, SUITE 4100
DENVER
CO
80203
US
|
Family ID: |
40638249 |
Appl. No.: |
12/742895 |
Filed: |
November 14, 2008 |
PCT Filed: |
November 14, 2008 |
PCT NO: |
PCT/AU2008/001692 |
371 Date: |
August 19, 2010 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
220/521 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A47K 10/42 20130101;
A47K 2010/3266 20130101; A45C 11/24 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
220/521 |
International
Class: |
B65D 1/24 20060101
B65D001/24 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Nov 14, 2007 |
AU |
2007906218 |
Claims
1. A container for carrying one or more baby changing items
comprising: a base having a first compartment for storing one or
more baby changing items; and a lid pivotally connected to the
base, the lid having a second compartment sealable from the first
compartment of the base for storing one or more moist wipes,
wherein the lid comprises an aperture to allow access to the one or
more moist wipes when the lid is in a closed position.
2. The container of claim 1 wherein the lid comprises a secondary
lid pivotally connected to the lid for providing a closure for the
aperture.
3. The container of claim 2 wherein the secondary lid comprises a
connection member for pivotally connecting the secondary lid to the
lid.
4. The container of claim 2 wherein the secondary lid is received
within a recessed portion surrounding the aperture of the lid.
5. The container of claim 2 wherein the secondary lid comprises a
rib on an underside of the secondary lid for providing a seal for
the aperture on the lid.
6. The container of claim 1 further comprising an internal lid
pivotally connected to the lid for sealing the second compartment
from the first compartment of the base.
7. The container of claim 6 wherein the internal lid enables
refilling of the second compartment.
8. The container of claim 6 wherein the internal lid comprises an
aperture to allow access to the one or more moist wipes when the
lid is in an open position.
9. The container of claim 6 wherein the internal lid has a
secondary internal lid pivotally connected to the internal lid for
providing a closure for an aperture in the internal lid.
10. The container of claim 9 wherein the secondary internal lid
comprises a connection member for pivotally connecting the
secondary internal lid to the internal lid.
11. The container of claim 9 wherein the secondary internal lid is
received within a recessed portion surrounding the aperture of the
internal lid.
12. The container of claim 9 wherein the secondary internal lid
comprises a rib on an underside of the secondary internal lid for
providing a seal for the aperture on the internal lid.
13. The container of claim 1 wherein the lid is pivotally connected
to the to base by a live hinge integrally formed with respective
rear edges of the lid and the base.
14. The container of claim 1 wherein the container comprises a
locking mechanism having a first resilient clip for securing an
internal lid to the lid.
15. The container of claim 14 wherein the locking mechanism
comprises a second resilient clip for securing the lid to the
base.
16. The container of claim 1 wherein the base comprises at least
one support foot.
17. The container of claim 1 wherein the base comprises a flexible
arm for holding one or more baby diaper changing items.
Description
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0001] This invention relates to containers for carrying items
necessary for changing a baby's diaper. In particular, but not
exclusively, the present invention relates to a compact portable
container which provides multiple compartments for storing items
such as diapers and wipes. It will be appreciated that the present
invention has broader application and is not to limited to this
particular use.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] Infants require their diaper to be changed several times a
day in order to keep them clean, dry and comfortable. When changing
a diaper, it is generally not only a clean diaper that is required,
but other items such as wipes, cream, powder, disposable bags,
changemats or the like.
[0003] The most common devices for carrying these items are diaper
bags and foldable changing systems comprising multiple different
compartments and can be quite cumbersome to carry around with a
baby, particularly when only a couple of diapers may be needed.
These can become quite bulky when full and can easily become soiled
or damaged, particularly when made of a fabric material.
[0004] Various attempts have been made to alleviate these problems
by providing portable hard case containers for carrying baby diaper
changing items in a more compact manner. For example, U.S. Pat. No.
5,638,957 discloses a diaper and wipes carrying case comprising a
base, a lid pivotally connected to the base and an internal
partition for keeping the diapers separate from the wipes within
the case.
[0005] U.S. Pat. No. 6,540,084 discloses a portable pack comprising
a base for storing diapers, a lid pivotally connected to the base
and a compartment received within the base of the pack, the
compartment having a secondary base and lid for storing wipes
therein.
[0006] U.S. Pat. No. 6,164,442 discloses a multi-compartment
portable case for carrying personal items. In one embodiment, the
case comprises a base and a lid, wherein the lid has a secondary
internal lid having an aperture to allow access to items when the
case is in an open position.
[0007] The disadvantage with the prior art is that it is necessary
to open the container to access wipes stored within the container.
Therefore, quick access cannot be achieved and a user can
contaminate the container and the contents of the container before
they are able to clean their hands. The box-like cases of the prior
art are also quite bulky in size for handling and
transportation.
OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION
[0008] It is a preferred object of the invention to provide a
container for carrying one or more baby diaper changing items that
addresses or ameliorates one or more of the aforementioned problems
or provides a commercial alternative.
[0009] It is a further preferred object of the invention to provide
a container for carrying one or more diaper changing items
comprising a lid having an aperture which allows access to one or
more wipes when the lid is in a closed position.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0010] According to one aspect, the present invention resides in a
container for carrying one or more baby changing items
comprising:
[0011] a base having a first compartment for storing one or more
baby changing items; and
[0012] a lid pivotally connected to the base, the lid having a
second compartment sealable from the first compartment of the base
for storing one or more moist wipes, wherein the lid comprises an
aperture to allow access to the one or more moist wipes when the
lid is in a closed position.
[0013] Preferably, the lid comprises a secondary lid pivotally
connected to the lid for providing a closure for the aperture.
[0014] Suitably, the secondary lid comprises a connection member
for pivotally connecting the secondary lid to the lid.
[0015] Preferably, the secondary lid is received within a recessed
portion surrounding the aperture of the lid.
[0016] Preferably, the secondary lid comprises a rib on an
underside of the secondary lid for providing a seal for the
aperture on the lid.
[0017] Preferably, the container further comprises an internal lid
pivotally connected to the lid for sealing the second compartment
from the first compartment of the base.
[0018] Suitably, the internal lid enables refilling of the second
compartment.
[0019] Preferably, the internal lid comprises an aperture to allow
access to the one or more moist wipes when the lid is in an open
position.
[0020] Suitably, the internal lid has a secondary internal lid
pivotally connected to the internal lid for providing a closure for
the aperture in the internal lid.
[0021] Preferably, the secondary internal lid comprises a
connection member for pivotally connecting the secondary internal
lid to the internal lid.
[0022] Preferably, the secondary internal lid is received within a
recessed portion surrounding the aperture of the internal lid.
[0023] Preferably, the secondary internal lid comprises a rib on an
underside of the secondary internal lid for providing a seal for
the aperture on the internal lid.
[0024] Preferably, the lid is pivotally connected to the base by a
live hinge integrally formed with respective rear edges of the lid
and the base.
[0025] Preferably, the container comprises a locking mechanism
having a first resilient clip for securing the internal lid to the
lid.
[0026] Suitably, the locking mechanism comprises a second resilient
clip for securing the lid to the base.
[0027] Suitably, the base comprises at least one support foot.
[0028] Preferably, the base comprises a flexible arm for holding
one or more baby diaper changing items.
[0029] Further aspects and features of the present invention will
become apparent from the following detailed description.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0030] The invention will now be described in more detail, by way
of examples, with reference to the accompanying drawings,
wherein:
[0031] FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing the inside of a
container a lid and an internal lid is in an open position;
[0032] FIG. 2 is a plan view showing the outside of a container of
FIG. 1 when the lid is in an open position;
[0033] FIG. 3 is an exploded view of the container of FIG. 1
showing the positioning of an internal lid, a secondary lid and a
flexible arm relative to the lid and a base of the container;
[0034] FIG. 4 is a plan view of the internal lid of the container
of FIG. 1 showing a secondary internal lid in an open position;
and
[0035] FIG. 5 is a perspective view showing the inside of the
container of FIG. 1 when the lid is in an open position.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0036] Preferred embodiments of the container of the present
invention are shown in the Figures and generally designated by the
reference numeral 10. In FIG. 1, a container 10 of the present
invention for carrying one or more baby diaper changing items is
illustrated which comprises a lid 20 having a second compartment 21
for storing one or more wipes (not illustrated) and an aperture 24
to allow access to one or more moist wipes when the lid 20 is in a
closed position.
[0037] The container 10 further comprises an internal lid 40
pivotally connected to an underside of the lid 20 which provides an
internal closure for the second compartment 21. The internal lid 40
comprises an aperture 42 to allow access to one or more wipes when
the lid 20 is in an open position. It will be understood that the
layout of the container 10 could be altered as required to better
suit the storage of different items.
[0038] The container 10, as best illustrated in FIG. 1, has a base
15 and the lid 20 pivotally connected to the base 15 for carrying
at least one baby diaper changing item. The term `diaper` is to be
understood throughout the specification as referring to any
suitable product for holding a baby's excrement and urine until
disposed and may also be commonly referred to as nappy. Each of the
components of the container 10 can be fabricated from a is plastic
material, such as polypropylene, or any other suitable material
which is preferably lightweight, water-resistant and easy to
clean.
[0039] The dimensions of the container 10 are sufficient for
carrying most standard sized diapers, wipes and other accessories,
which are commonly used when changing a baby, but is not overly
large to make the construction of the container 10 too bulky. While
the shape of the container 10 may be varied as desired, it is
preferred that the outer edges of the container 10 will be rounded
to reduce the risk of accidental injury to a user or baby during
use.
[0040] The base 15 comprises a first compartment 11 for storing one
or more baby diaper changing items (not illustrated) which may
include, but not be limited to, diapers, changemats, cream, powder
or other suitable items commonly required when changing a baby's
diaper which can be packaged to fit within the first compartment 11
and be carried in a compact manner. The base 15 comprises a
flexible arm 14 for holding one or more baby diaper changing items
within the first compartment 11.
[0041] Preferably, the base 15 is substantially flat so that it can
be supported on a suitable surface to enable single-handed use by a
user while changing a baby. Support and stability can further be
provided by way of at least one support foot 12 protruding from a
bottom surface of the base 15. As illustrated in FIG. 1, the base
15 has four support feet 12 which are made of a plastic moulded
material and are integrally formed on each corner of the base 15.
In alternative embodiments, the support feet 12 may be removable or
provided in another suitable form. Further, the support feet 12 may
be omitted from alternative embodiments if desired.
[0042] With reference to FIG. 2, the lid 20 is pivotally connected
to the base 15. The pivotal connection is provided on a respective
rear edge of the lid 20 and the base 15 so that a front side of the
lid 20 and the base 15 will remain separable for moving the lid 20
and base 15 apart to form an opening for the container 10. It will
be understood that the relative position of the pivotal connection
could be reversed or altered. For example, the pivotal connection
could be positioned on a side of the base 15 and a side of the lid
20. The lid comprises at least one slot 18 for enabling the
internal lid 40 to be connected to the lid 20.
[0043] The pivotal connection between the lid 20 and the base 15 is
by way of a hinge assembly 22. In this embodiment, the hinge
assembly 22 is in the form of a live hinge integrally formed with
the respective rear edges of the base 15 and the lid 20 during the
moulding process, to allow the lid to pivot with respect to the
base and move through 180.degree. from a closed position to a fully
opened position. Preferably, the surfaces which form the live hinge
are highly polished. Alternatively, two or more hinge assemblies 22
could be used. It is to be appreciated that the pivotal connection
of the lid 20 to the base 15 could adopt one or more configurations
different to that specifically described above. The pivotal
connection could instead, for example, include an integral aperture
on the base 15 for receiving a rod connected to the edge of the lid
20, or other pivotal or rotatable linkage arrangement.
[0044] The lid 20 has an aperture 24 to allow access to one or more
wipes when the lid 20 is in a closed position. Preferably, the
aperture 24 is positioned substantially centrally on the surface of
the lid 20. As shown in FIG. 3, a middle portion 26 of the surface
of the lid 20 surrounding the aperture 24 is preferably recessed so
that a secondary lid 30 can be received thereover in order to
provide a seal for the aperture 24 to keep the wipes moist and
prevent leakage or contamination until ready for use.
[0045] Preferably, the secondary lid 30 is pivotally connected to
the back edge of the upper surface of the lid 20. The secondary lid
30 has a connection member 31 for securing the secondary lid 30 to
the upper surface of the lid 20 and providing a pivot point for the
secondary lid 30 to be rotated from a closed position lying against
the lid's 20 surface, to an open position away from the lid's
surface to expose the aperture 24. The connection member 31
comprises at least one clip 32. The clip 32 is preferably resilient
and designed so that when it is received within a corresponding
aperture 23 provided on the lid 20, it will expand and lock into
place within the aperture 23. Alternatively, any other suitable
fastening mechanism may also be used. A live hinge 34 integrally
formed between the connection member 31 and the secondary lid 30
provides a pivot point for the secondary lid 30.
[0046] Preferably, a snap-locking mechanism (not illustrated)
releasably secures the secondary lid 30 over the top of the
aperture 24 to provide a closure for the aperture 24. Preferably, a
rib 35 is provided on an underside of the secondary lid 30 having a
complimentary shape to the aperture 24 so that the rib 35 can fit
snugly within the aperture 24 to provide an air-tight seal around
the aperture 24.
[0047] Reference is now made to FIG. 4, which illustrates the
internal lid 40. The internal lid 40 comprises at least one
connection member 41 to provide a pivotal connection for the
internal lid 40. The internal lid 40 comprises the aperture 42
which is positioned substantially centrally on the surface of the
internal lid 40. As shown in FIG. 4, a middle portion 44 of the
upper surface of the internal lid 40 surrounding the aperture 42 is
recessed so that a secondary internal lid 50 can be received
thereover to provide a closure for the aperture 42. The internal
lid 40 comprises a protrusion 63 on a front edge of the internal
lid 40 to be received within an aperture 62 of a locking mechanism
60, for securing the internal lid 40 to the lid 20.
[0048] According to some embodiments, a connection member 41 is
positioned on either side of a rear edge of the internal lid 40.
The connection member 41 comprises a protrusion 43 which is adapted
to be received within the slot 18 provided on the lid 20 for
securing the internal lid 40 to the lid 20. The connection member
41 comprises a live hinge (not illustrated) which provides the
pivot point for the internal lid 40 and enables the internal lid 40
to pivot relative to the lid 20 to move from a closed position in
connection with the lid 20 to an open position away from the lid
20, as shown in FIG. 1.
[0049] Preferably, the secondary internal lid 50 is pivotally
connected to the rear edge the internal lid 40. The secondary
internal lid 50 has a connection member (not illustrated) for
securing the secondary internal lid 50 to the to internal lid 40
and providing a pivot point for enabling the secondary internal lid
50 to be lifted from a closed position lying against the secondary
internal lid's 50 surface, to an open position away from the
secondary internal lid's 50 surface to expose the aperture 42.
Preferably, the connection means has a replica configuration to the
connection member 31 for the secondary lid 30 illustrated in FIG.
3. Alternatively, any other suitable fastening mechanism may also
be used.
[0050] Preferably, a snap-locking mechanism (not illustrated)
releasably secures the secondary internal lid 50 over the top of
the aperture 42 to provide a closure for the aperture 42.
Preferably, a rib 51 is provided on an underside of the secondary
internal lid 50 having a complimentary shape to the aperture 42 so
that the rib 51 can fit snugly within the aperture 42 to provide an
air-tight seal for the aperture 42. In an alternative embodiment of
the invention, it is envisaged that the secondary internal lid 50
and the secondary lid 30 may be opened by way of a pop-up mechanism
which will open the respective secondary internal lid 50 and
secondary lid 30 when they are depressed.
[0051] The lids 20, 40 can be secured in a closed position when not
in use, or during transit, via a locking mechanism designed to be
operated so that the user is able to keep one hand on the infant at
all times. According to some embodiments, the locking mechanism
comprises at least one resilient clip arrangement or other suitable
means. The lid 20, as best illustrated in FIG. 5, has a first
resilient clip 61 for securing the internal lid 40 to the lid 20.
The first resilient clip 61 overlies an aperture 62 for receiving
the protrusion 63 on the internal lid 40 for securing the internal
lid 40 to the lid 20. The base 15 is provided with at least one
resilient clip 64 having a hook portion for engaging with a
corresponding recess 65 provided on the lid 20 to achieve a flush
seal between the lid 20 and the base 15. The front edge of the
container 10 surrounding the locking mechanism may preferably be
recessed to provide easier access and assist a user in opening or
closing the container 10.
[0052] The base 15 has a connection member 13 for receiving and
being releasably engagable with a flexible arm member 14, as shown
in FIG. 1. The connection member 13 is in the form of a flange
integrally formed with a rear wall of the base 15. Alternatively,
another suitable form of attachment may be used. Preferably, the
arm member 14 is made of a rubber material that is adapted to
gently fold back to enable a user to access one or more baby diaper
changing items stored within the bottom storage compartment 11 and
hold the items in place to ensure they will not fall out when the
container 10 is opened. According to some embodiments where a
changemat is provided, the changemat may be made of PVC and nylon
or other suitable materials which is easy to clean and able to be
folded into a thin unit to fit within the first compartment 11.
[0053] Preferably, a surface of the flexible arm 14 is
substantially flat with dimensions suitable for allowing items to
be held beneath the flexible arm 14. Provided along a rear edge of
the flexible arm 14 is a flange (not illustrated) which extends
perpendicularly from the surface of the flexible arm 14 so that it
can be received within a groove (not illustrated) of the flange 13
to locking mechanism the flexible arm 14 in place. The inner
surface of the base 15 may have provided at least one ridge or
divider (not illustrated) or the like for dividing the storage area
within the first compartment 11.
[0054] In practice, the user lifts the secondary lid 30 for quick
and convenient access to one or more wipes before opening the
container 10 and contacting the contents. The lid 20 can then be
opened to expose the baby diaper changing items by pulling back the
resilient clips 64 of the locking mechanism by applying sufficient
force. The user can then readily access the one or more baby diaper
changing items within the first compartment 11. While the lid 20 is
in an open position, the secondary internal lid 50 can be opened to
provide access to the wipes. Once finished, the reusable items can
be neatly packed away until further use is required. In order to
refill the second compartment with additional wipes, the resilient
clip 61 can be pulled back to allow the protrusion 63 to be removed
from the aperture 62 to release the internal lid 40 and allow
access to the second compartment 21.
[0055] In a second aspect of the invention, not illustrated herein,
it is envisaged that the container may have provided an elasticised
strap member. The strap member is preferably adapted to be
retractable and able to allow a user to store an additional nappy
attached to the outer surface of the container. It is envisaged
that further compartments may be provided for storing other items
such as disposable bags, coins, a key or any other suitable items.
A wrist strap member may also be provided for enabling the
container to be carried on a person's wrist.
[0056] Although preferred embodiments of the invention have been
described in detail and illustrated in the accompanying drawings,
it is to be understood that the invention is not limited to these
precise embodiments and that various changes and modifications may
be effected therein without departing from the scope of the present
invention.
* * * * *